3 Important Things You Should Know About Septic Tank Cleaning
Posted on: 22 November 2022
Regular and scheduled septic cleaning will help improve your unit's efficiency. During septic tank cleaning, your professional will diagnose and fix potential malfunctions before they get out of hand. Moreover, a well-maintained septic system will help avoid issues like slow drains. Here are essential things about septic tank cleaning you should know.
Frequency of Cleaning
Various factors will determine how often you need to clean your septic system. The more people you have in your home, the more frequently you will have to clean your septic tank. This logic means if your tank was designed to accommodate around ten family members, but only three people reside in the home, the time between the cleaning will be more spread out. Conversely, if you have a smaller tank that can support a house with fewer people but more people residing there, your septic tank will need to be cleaned more frequently.
Flashing the wrong materials down your toilets will cause your septic system to fill up much faster. These items are hard to break down, so they take longer to digest. Even baby wipes labeled as flushable will strain your septic system and lead to clogs.
How to Know When Your Tank Is Due for Cleaning
Your septic tank professional will recommend a cleaning schedule for your unit. Generally, household septic tanks are typically inspected every 3-5 years. However, alternative systems with pumps, electrical float switches, or mechanical components may require frequent maintenance at least once a year. These systems have mechanized parts that can break down if they aren't serviced regularly.
Some signs indicate your septic needs pumping. Pooling water around the drain field is a red flag for a full tank. Solid waste from your tank will sneak into the drain field pipes if the unit is too full. This mishap will cause the lines to clog, leading to flooding. You may also notice a foul smell coming from the septic tank. Other signs to look for include slow drains, sewage backup, and lush green grass around your leach field.
DIY Septic Tank Cleaning
You may be tempted to clean your septic system independently to save costs. However, this shortcut will do more harm than good. Most household products used for cleaning septic systems have toxic chemicals that will kill the beneficial bacteria in your unit. These microbes help digest solid waste properly.
Cleaning a septic tank requires special equipment that you may not have. Also, you may damage your tank if you don't have the correct cleaning skills. You may not correctly dispose of the waste, spreading bacteria and germs.
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